(Avoca) It's been a strong year for the Lady Vikes of AHST in softball as they enter this week's Western Iowa Conference Tournament with an 11-5 overall record. By comparison, that win total matches their number of victories from all of last year.

Coach Jamie Braman says a big part of that has been the team's defense. They've limited oppontents to only 3.9 runs allowed this year and have given up just 17 unearned runs on the season.

Coach Braman says junior pitcher Jessica Butcher has been a steady leader for the team. The Lady Vikes have just one senior and rely on three freshman in the starting lineup. Butcher has pitched every inning for the team this season and holds a 3.07 ERA.

In the tourney's first round they'll see a Tri-Center team that they split a doubleheader with earlier this season. Both games were decided by one run and coach Braman says the team is excited for another chance to play the Trojans.